USU Eastern Golden Eagles defeat All-Star team in first home game of the season

After long road trips to Salt Lake City, Wyoming and Arizona, the USU Eastern men's basketball team was more than happy to return back to Price for their first two home games of the season.

The Golden Eagles posted two wins over the Otis All-Stars including a 90-64 win on Saturday evening. The two teams also played against each other on Friday night but the game was scheduled as a scrimmage.

The Otis All-Stars and the Golden Eagles each traded three-point baskets as they combined for 16 made three-pointers in the first half on Saturday evening which saw both teams get off to hot starts.

The Golden Eagles took a 47-34 lead into halftime and made enough stops on defense in the second half to keep the Otis All-Stars from making the game close as they collected the 90-64 win.

USU Eastern Head Coach Adjalma Becheli said the Golden Eagles played well on defense causing 21 turnovers but had some difficulties with their perimeter defense.

"I think we might have taken them (Otis All-Stars) a little for granted," Becheli said. "We've got to be mentally and physically tough going into each game and treat them like a playoff game."

Jason Timpf led the team with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Miles Gatewood added 11 points helping an offensive attack that saw 12 players score at least one point.

Despite the win, Becheli said he still sees plenty of room for improvement. He cited the lack of free throws the team shot (6-of-12) in the game as something they must fix going forward.

"We need to continue to be more aggressive and get to the free throw line more often," he said.

The Golden Eagles will be without another player going forward as sophomore guard Travon Langston broke his left hand punching a wall, according to Becheli.

USU Eastern will next travel to Western Wyoming for another tournament this weekend. They will play Central Wyoming and Western Wyoming on Friday and Saturday evening.